Splinters can sometimes be removed with baking soda and a bandaid. You will have to clean and dry the area and then apply baking soda to the splinter. Place a bandaid over the splinter and then remove it after a few hours. The splinter should come out. Make sure to use antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection and see a doctor if a splinter becomes infected. A splinter may put you at risk of a tetanus infection. Make sure your Tdap immunization is up to date.[1]

Steps

Part 1

Cleaning and Inspecting the Area

1

Do not squeeze the splinter. When cleaning or examining the area surrounding the splinter, you may be tempted to squeeze the surrounding skin to get a better look. This can cause the splinter to break into smaller fragments or become stuck deeper in the skin. Never squeeze the splinter or surrounding skin while removing the splinter.[2]

2

Examine the area. Use a magnifying glass if need be. See how big the splinter is and see the angle it's going into the skin. This can help you avoid pressing the splinter deeper into the skin when applying your paste and bandaid. Make sure not to press on the splinter in the direction it's angled into your skin.[3]

Clean and dry the area. You want to make sure to avoid an infection when dealing with a splinter. Before you attempt to remove the splinter, clean the skin around the where the splinter is stuck. Wash your skin with soap and water and then gently pat the area dry with a paper towel.[4]

Make sure to wash your hands before washing the skin around your splinter.

Part 2

Removing the Splinter

1

Make a paste with baking soda and water. In a small cup or other container, add a generous amount of baking soda. Then, add in water in small increments and mix until you form a thick paste. There is no precise ratio of baking soda to water. You just need to add enough that you end up with a spreadable paste.[5]

Be careful not to push the splinter in deeper when applying the paste. Remember the angle in which it's driven into the skin and be gentle when applying baking soda at this angle.

3

Cover the spot with a Band-Aid. Place a Band-Aid over the paste. Make sure to cover the splinter completely with the cotton portion of the Band-Aid. The type of Band-Aid does not matter as long as it fits over the splinter.[7]

Remove the Band-Aid after a few hours. Wait anywhere from an hour to a day to remove the Band-Aid. Splinters that are stuck in deep will generally require more time. When you remove the bandaid, the splinter should come out easily.[8]

If the splinter does not come out by itself as you pull off the band aid, try gently squeezing it with tweezers (sterilize tweezers with alcohol before using).

If the splinter does not come out the first time, or is still very deep, try repeating the process and leaving the bandaid on longer, up to 24 hours.[9]

Rinse the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment after the splinter comes out.

You may also cover the area with a bandaid after the splinter has been removed to help with the healing process.

Part 3

Taking Safety Precautions

1

Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. It is a good idea to apply antibiotic ointment after removing the splinter. This will help prevent an infection. You can get an antibacterial ointment at any drug store. Apply the ointment as directed.[10]

For example, use a cream from a drug store like Neosporin to cover the wound.[11]

If you're on existing medication, check with a pharmacist before selecting your ointment. You want to make sure the ointment you choose with not interfere with your current medication.

2

Control bleeding if necessary. Sometimes, your skin will bleed after you remove a splinter. Press firmly around the area where the splinter was. This will bring the skin together to patch up the wound and stop bleeding. You may also need to apply a bandaid.[12]

Seek medical attention under certain conditions. If a splinter will not come out and is causing heavy bleeding, you may need medical attention. You also may need medical attention for a splinter that's underneath a fingernail or toenail. If you are not up to date on your vaccinations, you should see a doctor if you get a splinter to make sure you don't need something like a tetanus shot to prevent infection.[13]

You should be fine using baking soda for splinter removal. Make sure to clean the skin and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandaid after removing the splinter. Since you are diabetic, you might be more at risk for delayed healing and therefore infection. Monitor the area for signs of infections such as increased redness, swelling and tenderness.

To treat the sting of nettles first apply warm water to allow the skin to loosen and expand. Do not rub the affected area. Gently pat dry the area. Once dry, find some tape (scotch tape will probably be fine) and carefully stick it to the affected area and peel it away. This helps to remove the microscopic needles that nettles can leave behind. Ice can be used to reduce swelling and pain.

"I had failed to remove a small rose thorn from my index finger the day it became lodged in the finger. I figured it would just get absorbed by my body, but it just became infected and painful. I repeatedly tried to needle and tweezer it out, but could not. After 3 weeks, I tried the baking soda method for 24 hrs; after the day of baking soda, I started to gently push my fingernail across the area and could not believe when I saw the spindly thorn push out of my skin! Thanks so much!"..." more

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Lexie Monlegas

Jun 5

"I was just cutting some grass, but then saw a stick in my way so I picked it up and threw. After I finished cutting the grass, I then realized I had a bad splinter. I looked up what to do and tried this method. It worked great! I highly recommend using this."..." more

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N. V.

Jul 11

"I had a small piece of hair in my foot and it was really painful. I put baking soda and water on it for 2-3 hours and was not successful. I put it on for 9 hours (overnight while I slept) and it worked! Much appreciated."..." more

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Jim Eliason

Mar 4

"Short story, it worked GREAT! Thought I was bound for the emergency center as the splinter was in an impossible angle. But 12 hours later the splinter was out of my finger! Very cool, indeed! "..." more

LC

Laurie Carrillo

Jul 20

"The question about glass was helpful, but I'm not sure my boyfriend is willing to try it, he is the one with glass stuck in his hand."..." more

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Ava Harte

Mar 12

"I got a splinter but didn't want to use tweezers because that hurts. This is a simple and painless solution."

BL

Brooke Lindaman

Jul 12

"Interesting suggestion about applying baking soda paste and Band Aid for awhile, have never heard that one."

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BP

Becky Pederson

Sep 5, 2016

"Going to try baking soda paste to get deep pockets from blackberry bushes out of my ankles and legs. "

LR

Lori Richards

Jun 22

"Trying this method to remove a splinter, waiting to see if it works. Fingers crossed. "

Rated this article:

JL

John Lacour

Mar 6

"The info is really helpful, thanks a lot. I will check in again if I can!"